Red Cross Children's Home: Building Capabilities in Guyana (A)

An orphanage and foster care home for young children in Guyana was staffed by women who were paid a small monthly stipend. The facility was in poor physical state, the 54-hour workweek was exhausting and absenteeism was rampant. The new director tried to turn the facility around by repairing the building, improving the working conditions and seeking staff input. On the country's national holiday, however, none of the staff reported for work. The director considered her options: resignation, asking for additional resources, giving the staff more responsibility or disciplining the staff. Supplement case Red Cross Children's Home: Building Capabilities in Guyana (B), product 9B02C047 describes the actions taken by the director and their outcome. In supplemental case Red Cross Children's Home: Building Capabilities in Guyana (C), product 9B02C048, the former director visits the children's home after an absence of nearly two years and reflects on her management efforts. A 22 minute video is available, product 7B02C042 and a PowerPoint slide presentation, product 5B02C42.

• International Business
• Non-Profit Organization
• Organizational Change